Top 10 Greatest Legacy Movie Sequels of All Time

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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're looking at belated movie sequels that best pay homage to their predecessors while also exploring new perspectives and stories.

#10: "Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” (2015)

When George Lucas’ far, far away galaxy finally returned to the big screen with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," it did so with a major bang. In fact, it still stands as the highest grossing film in North America. And while many criticized it for essentially replicating the original film’s plot, it wasn’t a complete retread. The movie added interesting new characters and intriguing elements to the story, such as Finn’s journey as a Stormtrooper. And with stellar visual effects on display, a batch of returning fan-favorite characters, and all the nostalgia you shake a stick at, the 32-years-later sequel to “Return of the Jedi” proved that the Force was still strong with the franchise!

#9: "The Color of Money" (1986)

In one of the first legacy sequels ever made, “Fast” Eddie Felson returned to the pool table in this Martin Scorsese-directed follow-up to the 1961 classic "The Hustler." With Paul Newman reprising his role, the character is tasked with taking on a protégé. Enter Tom Cruise. With Cruise as the fiery young player opposite Newman as the hardened veteran, the pair showcased an astounding on-screen dynamic. Newman’s performance even won him an Oscar for Best Actor. And, with a gritty and poignant tale about mentorship and the consequences of chasing fame, the film became an instant classic. It also demonstrated that the idea of a years-later sequel could definitely work.

#8: "Doctor Sleep" (2019)

Decades after Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” psychologically scarred movie-goers, Ewan McGregor stepped into Danny Torrance’s shoes, showing the character as an adult. The chilling follow-up expertly meshes Kubrick’s cinematic vision with Stephen King’s literary continuation. And while the plot and settings reference the original, they are not reliant upon them. In other words, it’s a daring sequel that respects its roots, but completely carves out its own eerie path. Heck, even King greatly praised the film, telling Entertainment Weekly upon its release that, "Everything that I disliked about the Kubrick version of The Shining is redeemed for me in Doctor Sleep.”

#7: “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (2021)

Who you gonna call when you want to revive an iconic film series? How about the offspring of the original film’s director? Helmed by Jason Reitman, son of the late Ivan Reitman, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” managed to do what Paul Feig’s failed “Ghostbusters” reboot couldn’t: capture both nostalgia and fresh energy. While including a plethora of fun callbacks, “Afterlife” pays a loving tribute to the original “Ghostbusters” films. It also introduced a likable new crop of paranormal investigators full of youthful wonder. And we’re not just talking about the ageless Paul Rudd. Add in some crowd-pleasing cameos and this legacy sequel effortlessly passed the proton packs on to a new generation.

#6: “Scream” (2022)

With already a slew of sequels under its belt, no one expected the meta-slasher “Scream” series to return sharper than ever with 2022's years-later follow-up. Not only did the film pay homage to OG creator Wes Craven’s legacy, but it slashed through reboot culture with cutting precision. The self-aware, yet still horrifying, slasher finds the Ghostface killer returning to terrorize a new group of teenagers, not to mention a number of beloved original characters. By continuing to subvert expectations, 2022’s “Scream” surprised critics and audiences alike by serving up yet another highly entertaining outing that revitalized the horror franchise – once again!

#5: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021)

Before you run to the comments, yes, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” totally counts as a legacy sequel. While it is a standard sequel to Tom Holland’s Spidey flicks, it also serves as a legacy follow-up to earlier Spider-Man movies starring Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. And frankly, that’s what makes it so great. The multiverse mayhem was able to unite these multiple generations into one action-packed spectacle, giving Maguire and Garfield’s Spider-Men some closure after their respective film franchises were given unceremonious ends. It also helps that everyone appeared to be having unapologetic fun. To say that fun was contagious, would be an understatement.

#4: “Creed” (2015)

In “Creed,” Sylvester Stallone symbolically passed Rocky Balboa’s gloves over to Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Creed. As the illegitimate son of Rocky’s rival-turned-friend Apollo Creed, Adonis follows in his father's footsteps to become a boxing champion. Ryan Coogler directed the powerfully emotional story with great finesse. And not only did it put Michael B. Jordan on a straight trajectory to the A-list, it reinvigorated Sylvester Stallone's career. In fact, the actor earned himself an Academy Award nomination for his work in the movie. With audiences and critics in his corner, “Creed'' became an unstoppable knockout hit, one that kicked off a series of other hard-hitting follow-ups.

#3:"Blade Runner 2049" (2017)

Denis Villeneuve took on Ridley Scott's sci-fi masterpiece, “Blade Runner,” with great reverence—and perhaps, greater ambition. Firstly, the film is visually breathtaking, with Villeneuve taking full advantage of modern CGI advancements for all the futuristic sci-fi backdrops. And while “Blade Runner 2049” mostly hands things off to new characters, namely Ryan Gosling as K, it manages to incorporate “Blade Runner’s” original players in highly intriguing ways. In addition to the character drama, the story also expands on the original’s discourse over artificial intelligence. With complex themes and engaging narrative intact, “Blade Runner 2049” is a worthy continuation - regardless of its disappointing box-office performance.

#2:"Mad Max: Fury Road"(2015)

When George Miller’s “Mad Max” roared back onto movie screens some 30-years after “Beyond Thunderdome,” the result was one helluva wild ride! In fact, the post-apocalyptic sequel completely defied expectations and is heralded as a cinematic masterpiece. This is mostly thanks to the non-stop visceral action, stunning visuals, and jaw-dropping stunts. And while Tom Hardy stepped into the titular role of Max with ease, it was Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa that proved an absolute scene stealer. With that, “Mad Max: Fury Road” stands as one of the rare sequels that truly succeeds its predecessor. Talk about filmmaking madness!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Bill and Ted Face The Music” (2020)
Just as wonderfully wacky, absurd, and downright entertaining as the original.

“Halloween” (2018)
Focussing on Laurie’s trauma, the filmmakers scare up a freshly compelling continuation.

“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (2017)
A side-splitting action adventure that trades the board game for a video game.

#1: “Top Gun: Maverick" (2022)

What can we say, Tom Cruise’s return to the “Danger Zone” completely took our breath away. Cruise’s intensity as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell still burned just as brightly as it had before. Of course, the movie star wasn’t alone. Paired with a crop of young new recruits portrayed by the likes of Miles Teller and Glen Powell, each one not only held their own, but broke through with standout performances. As for other returning characters, we’re still not over Val Kilmer’s emotional cameo. And with blazing action and heartfelt homages to Tony Scott’s 80’s original, it’s easy to see why “Top Gun: Maverick" was the highest grossing film the year of its release. When you soar that high above expectations, you defy gravity and age alike!

Is there a film that you’d like to see receive a legacy sequel all these years later? Share your nostalgic picks in the comments below!